I’d add hearing protection, which you sort of covered with in ears. But for rehearsals and such where IEMs are not being used, hearing protection-whether simple foam or passive plugs or active-is a must.
Whenever I change my strings, I always put the old strings in my gigbag as the backup set. If you need to change a string in the heat of the moment, it makes it easier to put it on when it's already cut to the right length and quicker to tune when it already lost most of it's flexibility. Also in my kit: a pen and a marker in case you need to write something down, business cards, hearing protection, a few copies of the stage plan for my regular bands and guitar strings for those guitar players that forget to bring their own backup sets. ;)
I would add a nail file to that as well. I have a small glass on that lives in my gig bag. (As well as one that lives on my desk and one in my computer bag.... hey, I got deal on them!)
Yes Scott I have everything you mentioned, (except a small measuring ruler , never had string height issues) but also have a nail clipper, a small Flash light, & L.E.D. stand light. And a back up bass with strap.
Yup! Guitar strings, drum sticks, drum key, DI for the keyboard player, IEM cleaner for the lead singer. They always ask the bass player first, as he's usually the most organized...
Scott, you overlooked the most important item (in my opinion) - a spare bass. I always have at least 2 instruments with me at every gig. If I'm in the middle of a set, I don't have time to mess around with a broken string, dead battery, etc. I grab the spare bass and worry about fixing the problem during the break or after the show. This has saved my bacon more than a few times.
@@fearvo Opinions vary. I carried two basses for years, lately I carry one. Nothing arrogant about it. One time I showed at church with no bass. I have multiple vehicles and thought it was in the one I drove. Fortunately Guitar Center opened early and I bought one and I got there on time. Nice bass, great price.
@@averyhorton3614 bummer. I've only broken about three strings in 35 plus years playing full time. I've been very lucky. But I still always bring two basses and extra strings and tools!
I also always keep a spare IEC power cable (the type that powers most amp heads) on hand. In fact, it’s probably been the most borrowed item in my bag.
A string winder is a must!!! I also always carry a nail file as well as a small bottle of methyl hydrate to clean and brighten strings. I never carry a ruler as one can easily improvise, nor do I carry any more allen wrenches than what my basses require.
Spare cables have to be at least 3, the electric guitar player is going to ask you at least one at a certain point of the gig since he likes to "dance" on his cables, very rock. Also I'm not carrying stands anymore, thanks to Mark Bass velcro bass-holders! For me also some spare ear plugs: best bass boosters for little money :)
I live by the Gulf Coast and I have to carry that all the time because it can change with the humidity so quick. I was at rehearsal the other night and all the sudden the first fret started fretting out a bit and I had to loosen the truss rod a little.
Its the worst if you snap a string on a low action bass. I mean, how bad is it to do a 1/2-1 turn of an allen key mid gig anyway? You’re releasing it, not tightening it so the strings don’t necessarily have to be loosened. A quick retune is also no big deal with a proper pedal
Then either you aren't confident that you know what you're doing or you don't respect the audience. It's not that scary. 3mins and you are done. It's a piece of cake.
Best gigbag recommendation: tape. I'd recommend a roll each of gaff tape, painter's tape, and electrical tape. Gaff can be used to fix straps or tape down cables, painter's tape is great for any sort of labeling (like your amp/pedal settings), and electrical tape can be used for emergency repairs or keeping cable coils neat.
I'd add a metal nail file (good for nails - in an emergency also good for fret issues), nail clippers (again, good for nails and in an emergency good for clipping strings, though better for guitar strings rather than bass strings) and a capo - useful for when the guitarist has lost his and also for checking the neck relief.
Agree, apart from clip on tuners which are ok, apart from when you need to get everyone to be quiet while you try and find a low D. Definitely use a pedal instead - also means no one has to hear you tuning too.
Hi, forgive me for being rude but I don't understand what you mean.. I have a clip on tuner on my bass and have never ask anyone to be quiet. I turn the volume off on my bass and tuner my bass with no problems.
@@joemccambridge2759 generally found them to be ok at practice, but when gigging in a pub with all the noise I have found it to be painful to tune the lower strings, especially drop D. From memory I used a D’addario clip on - so it may be it just wasn’t that great. Pedals for me are a way better option
Instead of clippers, wrenches and screwdriver, you can get a multitool (leatherman for instance). It's really useful in all kinds of situations. It saved my ass hundreds of times, so I definitely recommend getting one
Ohhh Ok. every single "PRO" bass player must have. I just save a lot of money by being a hobbyist.... Wait no....I have almost all that stuff except for the in ear monitors. And I also have a spare bass just in case i ever play an actual gig (NEVER HAPPEN) instead of playing naked in front of the computer.
Thanks Scott. Great video. There is one more thing I put in my bag and that you haven't mentioned. A pair of nail clippers. I don't know about you but for me, if I forget to clip the nails on the first two fingers of my plucking hand, I start getting these weird and unholy sounds. So nail clippers is a must for me.
@@bobbyfikesmusicfun I've heard of boiling, as well as soaking in alcohol in a PVC pipe with one end capped. Does this actually help (noticeably) for cleaning the gunk out of the string grooves and get the clean "new string" sound?
@@shannondwhite boiling does help and it will make them sound new and fresh for at least a couple gigs. Denatured alcohol works also. Not sure about the PVC pipe thing
For me, always bring an extra strap. I once had a gig where I didn't bring one and had to use a neck tie. Thankfully it was only a 3-4 song set. Now I always bring two. And those rubber washers. And showing my age, I always included a few quarters if I needed to make a phone call.
One thing I would add is having a sharpie. I carry everything else that's on the list in my truck because that's what I drive to gigs. I carry a couple of spare straps also.
I also just realized that I always carry my sansamp bass driver in my truck so in case I have an amplifier problem I can run direct and have some control, more than what's on my bass
I love little tip videos like this! Glad to see I had everything you suggested in my setup (well... except for my folding stand.... it some how got up and walked away... and I haven't replaced it yet....). Also I use the TC Electronics RH450 head, which has the built in tuner on it (and with the footswitch, it shows the tuning real time all the time, so you can tune mid song with ease). My gigging rig is basically the amp head with it's carry bag (I just use a cabinet at the venue preferably, else then I have to bring mine), and my base gig bag with all the things. Light and easy!
I once broke the E string on my bass in the middle of the set. Of course I hadn’t brought spare strings. Apparently, that happens when you decide to detune to Eb so your nice descending bass line can keep descending to the very last note. Obviously, getting that just right without missing the beat took some practice, and the strings weren’t up to that.
I always carry with me, in my backpack, a bike multitool. Mostly for the bike, but it has metric allen keys, and a philips and flat screwdriver. It turn out very usefull in general, but I can recomend having one in a gigbag
Great stuff Scott! Love the channel. Warning for the purchasers of that natty stand - they also do a smaller version which if you trust it will let you down and send you on a visit to your local luthier for a headstock repair. Okay it's smaller and more portable but it needs a couple of tapered shims to sit the instrument more vertically.
It says "Tiger" on the side, but I can´t seem to find it online anywhere. Pretty neat device though, and I´ve been looking for something like that for some time.
Great tips for everyone !!! Very handy and helpful !!! But what you miss to say: Make sure to check the bag with anticipation to the gig !!! Tnx !!!! 😎
I always have a Leatherman multi-tool with multiple bit sets with me, covers a lot of areas. That’s on my belt so not in the kit. Pick/plectrum discussion made me chuckle. I’ve had at least a half dozen in my pants pocket for decades (we used to carry coins as well). Thanks as always great content.
I would add having a pencil in your bag. Even if your not reading music on the gig, writing a set list or making changes to one… don’t be that guy without one
YES! Something to write notes on the sheet music with. Especially when you're working in some kind of a creative project. (On the other hand, one could argue that making music is always a creative process/project...)
Some bassists should read the title of this video before suggesting the spare bass as a item that should be included in "The Top 10 Bass Gadgets for EVERY Bassist (NOT gimmicks)". I'm still trying to figure out how would I stick a spare bass into the gadget bag. The suggestion to include a nail clippers is great though.
I have a very similar kit for gigging, mostly due to having strings break, batteries go flat, input jacks fall out of the cabinet due to the other band yanking the cable out super hard. You learn to be prepared eventually! I reccomended a small torch also, just makes everything easier to handle in case of emergencies.
I was carrying a similar bag with me for a long time too. The bad thing was that sometimes parts were lost without me noticing it. When buying some tools for my electronics workshop I stumbled upon a very interesting gadget. It was the 'Guitar Set' by Wera and I immmediately bought one. Maybe it's interesting for some of You. It's a set of very high quality tools and contains everything You ever need for guitar or bass maintenance on tour. It's not cheap but always worth the money. There are metric and imperial allen wrenches , screwdrivers, socket wrenches in all important sizes, a Knipex string cutter, feeler gauge, crank and even a tool for centering jacks. It even contains a box for/with picks etc. and has enough space for 2-3 9Volt batteries. The sturdy, small softbag fits easily into every gigbag. btw.: I'm not affiliated to the company, only a happy user.
Thanks Scott, I have all that stuff except for the in ear monitors (Its just me I had ear problems as a child and can't stand in ear anything) and gloves, just seems usual to me. I have only two bases though, one passive, one active and I find my self playing the passive more. I have never heard of an A string snapping before, a G string yes, and I have had an ultra light weight G string snap while tuning myself. Always like you work and videos!
Thanks Scott! I play a 6 stringer, lost the high C during tune-up at sound check, did not have a spare set on me, lesson learned. I now play a 5 stringer. Problem solved ;)
I played for 45 years before retiring and I kept almost everything with me that Scott said, and needed them all at one time or another EXCEPT for spare strings. I never broke a bass string. Ever. Strange since I played with a heavy touch a good bit of the time. The only time I didn't carry 2 extra 9-volts, I had just changed batteries earlier in the day, and BOTH failed at a short gig that night. Both were supposed to be in date. Also, I was never a session bassist, so I didn't need to carry any type of earphone. Otherwise, everything he said proved useful.
That bass stand is epic, never seen it for sale anywhere though, when I played live back in the day, I didn't have any of this stuff except the strings, now I have everything because my bass keeps finding new ways to break apart, Ibanez basses really don't stand the test of time well
The stand is a Tiger GST63-BK which is definitely available on Amazon, along with identical-looking stands with different branding (e.g. Martin Smith) which are a few bucks cheaper. (You're welcome!) Maybe _modern_ Ibanez basses break (shhh! don't tell Carol Kaye! 😉) but my bought-new-in-1972 Ibanez R-c--nb--c-er clone works great to this day - although yes, the bridge, nut, selector switch, and tuners have been replaced or upgraded along the way, I grant you. But nothing has ever _broken_ on it.
@@davidwinokur2131 Dude, I'm not talking about a miner's helmet. The headlamp is maybe 3" x 2" x 2" thick, it takes up little space. I also set up the PA, and a little flashlight in the mouth doesn't get it.
Ear plugs. Nobody ever thinks of earplugs, but as somebody who has studied audiology and been an active bass player, trust me on this one. You don't want to spend the rest of your life listening through hearing aids. They sound awful.
Two other things I always have in my gigbag : - A power extension cord : "How, you're a bass player and you also have pedals ? We don't have any power extension cords left, so you're going to be stuck behind your amp..."... No Way. - A towel, a simple towel... When you have amps, lights, people close to the stage, and your hands are so sweaty that you can't doubleslap properly anymore, the sweats enter in your eyes and make you blind... This towel saves your life. (obsviously, not the towel I use to clean my strings)
I've noticed that very often, a new instrument will include the allen wrenches necessary to adjust that instrument, so I try to keep them with that instrument. I hate plugging Amazon, but they sell little plastic 9-volt battery boxes (super handy). Those stands are no good for asymmetrical basses. Other than that, great list.
Spare Cable ✅ Stand ✅ Spare Batteries✅ Tuner ✅ I play a Graphite neck Bass....Always intact ✅ Allen keys ✅ String rug ✅ Errr, but dirty strings👌🏿 = Funk 🤔 Spare strings.... Don't have those 😳 In Ears, got them but never use them. I really love Cabs/Monitors ✅ Looks like Scott's been inside my bag.
I used to carry a battery tester when I had an active system and checked my battery before each gig to make sure it had enough life to get through the gig.
I once had a tuning peg bust in the middle of the gig. Retuned and made it through the rest of the gig on three strings. Then made sure I had extra tuning pegs on hand
1: Yes. I actually have 2 sets, just in case one goes out on me. 1.1: That I usually don't have... 1.2: I have quite few handy with me when I play. 2: Yep. Got a microfiber cleaning type cloth 3: Yes. 4: I don't have one of these. Not a bad idea though. 5: Yep. I've got one of the 10-in-1 type with switchable tips. 6: Yep. Got a pair of them 7: Yup. I carry 3 or 4 in my bag. Don't use active basses, but still useful to have. I've given more to bandmates more than anything for me! 8: I usually run wireless, but I do carry a 20' cable in my bag, along with some assorted short patch cables 9: I have one built into my Helix, but also carry an extra headstock tuner just in case. ;) 10: Don't have one of these. Probably need to pick one up.
I once broke A-string on my 6-string bass. I had a spare set of strings BUT missing an A-string... I put the E-string on and tuned it to A. Horrible to play but bearable. My left hand was dying after the whole night (polish wedding - the "gig" starts at about 3 PM and ends at like 4AM, with breaks of course) :) Since then - I have two bases and lot of spare strings :)
Great video! My bass gear bag was an old briefcase that I picked up from a thrift store. It held my handful of cables, pedals, extra batteries, set list paper/markers, and spare strings. I had a string break on a gig too-terrible! Also, a great way to protect effect/tuner pedals is to stick each one in an old, cut down sock. It's the perfect level of protection, with no zippers to worry about.
Just a couple other items I use almost every gig to add to your list: Small flashlight Pencil/pen/highlighter Direct box/mic cord Music stand/clips to keep paper from blowing off Bonus tip: NEVER EVER EVER leave anything in your car. Ever. Get some sort of dolly or cart and move it all in one trip.
Two friends of mine saw the Wooten brothers live. Vic broke a string mid-song, took off his bass, lay it on the ground, put his foot on it, and played a solo by manually adjusting the tension.
Great information as usual Scott! I also carry a “ tool kit”. Some things I add to your list are; D. I.box, preferably preamp type. I use Mesa subway DI. Spare speaker cables, spare power amp cable and a power strip. Here’s another good tip, Super Glue! If you happen to cut your finger somehow, it instantly seals the wound and stops the bleeding. I always have a spare bass on hand. I may, by nature of my mechanical background, be anal, but I carry a digital multimeter and soldering iron with flux core solder, and yes, I’ve had to use it.
I've reattached part of my thumb with super glue. The bleeding didn't stop, in fact the super glue mixed with the blood flowing down my hand and it became blood glue lol. It did reattach the piece of my thumb though lol. It solves most cuts that may require stitches though and is very handy
Gadgets for bassists seems pretty misleading for what is basically a "gig bag essentials" video. Nothing wrong with that though; especially if you're just starting to play out, packing a gig bag is something you might not give enough thought to. Two things I'd add: (1) A roll of gaffers tape and (2) a small flashlight. You will inevitably be in a situation where you have to tape down a setlist or some cables. Gaffers tape is better for this job than Gorilla tape/Duct tape because it is less sticky and thus less likely to leave a residue behind and possibly much up the stage area you're on. It's also black, so it hides better on stage. Cell phone flashlights can make due in a pinch, but a small bright light you can hold in your mouth in order to have both hands free is really useful if you need some light while setting up on a dark stage. Also, always have some paper and a sharpie - good for writing down last minute setlists, setlist changes, or anything else. Also, never a bad idea to pack some band-aids, just in case you cut yourself and don't want to be bleeding on your bass...which, admittedly, might be kind've cool depending on the venue and genre being played :)
The time when my bridge pickup screws failed & it's spring-mounted, so sprung it out & hit the bottom E, causing that string to be sharp for a whole song. I then had to apply pressure with my thumb against it, whilst picking for a 45 min set. Bring all the stuff, & maybe Blu-Tac?
I like them too, but check them for connectivity once in a while, others have reported they can wear out with heavy use... not anything I can confirm myself.
Old camera bags work great as gig bags. Leatherman tools have screwdrivers, knives, snippers, and pliers. A word of caution about 9v batteries - put a bit of tape over the end terminals, if not and they come in contact with metal, they will deplete, if they come in contact with steelwool, they will burn. A small sewing kit and first aid kit can be very useful too.
I played gigs for 20yrs of my life and my solution to breaking a string...every string change I would keep the old ones..put them in the package of the new ones im installing..then throw em away next change...it worked out
I would add to this list a spare fuse. You can have all these items and still have your gig ruined because of a blown fuse in your amp. I've seen it happen. So I always carry at least 2 extra fuses.
I was so happy the time I blew a fuse on my MarkBass head to find out that they packed a spare fuse in the fuse holder! Not sure how many other brands do this but thank you Marco!
Think that is the Millenium GS-2012 - costs about 10 bucks. If you want plastic foldable stands like that there is other stuff like the Cooperstand DuroPro or Hercules HCGS-200B. Biggest difference being in the padding material Millenium is rubber, Hercules soft plastic, DuroPros neoprene and silicon. Cooperstand also offers the same design, but wooden, for about 50 bucks.
I carry a scary amount of spares to a gig 2, 3 or 4 of everything. Often I supply power leads, mic cables to my underprepared bandmates. I don't carry spare strings (cos I naively think my flats are bulletproof) but I'll be dropping a packet into the bag for safety, thanks for the recommendation and real world example on why to carry backup strings. Must also get a cheap IEM spare, as it's pricey to have a second set of my moulded U64s. Anyone got any cheap IEM recommendations for that suit us bass folks?
